Game device and method

ABSTRACT

One possible embodiment for the invention could be a gaming device wherein the invention has an orthogonal array comprised of gaming symbol positions organized in rows and columns, each of the gaming symbol positions can display a gaming symbol chosen from a gaming symbol table assigned to that gaming symbol position. The array could further have multiple paylines comprised of gaming symbol positions, wherein the gaming symbol positions of a respective payline could be assigned to gaming symbol tables that are considered to be different frequency gaming symbol tables to one another. In this manner, no one row has gaming symbol tables assigned to its respective gaming symbol positions that could be considered to be identical frequency tables to one another. In this manner, no one row has gaming symbol tables assigned to its respective gaming symbol positions that could be considered to be identical frequency tables to one another.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/712,063 filed on Aug. 29, 2005, contents of which arerelied upon and incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED Research or Development

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not Applicable.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention may relate to electronic gaming devices. Morespecifically, the present invention may relate to electronic gamingdevices, which may generally use an array substantially comprised ofgaming symbol positions that are used to present gaming symbols during agame of chance.

2. Background

Gaming devices may provide diversion from the stresses of everyday lifethough the presentation of visual and audio stimulation as well as theexcitement of the possibility of winning at a game of chance. To providesuch diversions, gaming devices (such as electronic or video slotmachines and the like) may utilize one or more visual displays thatcould assist the player (and others) to see and participate in thegaming action of the device. These displays could also be used toultimately indicate whether a player wins at a game of chance asprovided by the gaming device.

As originally developed in the nineteenth century, many of the gamingdevices and their displays were substantially mechanical in nature.These displays could generally incorporate one or more movable gamingindicators (e.g., a mechanical reel, such as those used in a slotmachine) displaying a set of gaming symbols, which were generally usedto denote the action and outcome of the game of chance. In determiningthe occurrence of a winning wager during a play, a display couldgenerally present at least one demarcation (e.g., a payline) thatdisplays (e.g., contiguously arranged) a set of gaming symbols that isselected from a larger group of gaming symbols presented on the display.For slot machines and the like, the payline could be a line or othermeans of designation, which could generally be superimposed laterallyacross a plurality (e.g., three) of movable indicators (e.g., mechanicalreels). If the selection of gaming symbols, as denoted by the payline,matched a winning combination of gaming symbols denoted on the gamingdevice's payout table (e.g. a database of payouts [e.g., winnings orrewards] associated with respective winning combinations of gamingsymbols), the game could then pay out to the player its associatedreward or winnings. If a selection of gaming symbols, as denoted by thepayline, did not match a winning combination of gaming symbols asdenoted on the gaming device's payout table, then the gaming devicegenerally did not give or pay out winning(s) or other reward(s) to theplayer.

For many gaming devices, a winning gaming symbol combination for apayline could include the presence of two or more matching gamingsymbols. Other instances of winning payline gaming symbol combinationscould include the payline appearance of a ‘wild’ gaming symbol, whichmay provide a winning match for any other gaming symbol found in, thepayline. In addition, another possible winning payline combination mightoccur if the gaming device employs one or more ‘scatter pays’ symbolswhose presence in a payline automatically creates a winning payout.

The mechanical gaming devices could be seen as having physical andstatistical limitations, which could substantially restrict the numberof different gaming symbols that could be used and hence limit thenumber of different winning gaming symbol combinations that could occur.These limitations could possibly impose restrictions on the developmentof mechanical gaming devices (e.g., mechanical slot machines) into newand exciting forms of gaming.

The introduction of the computer and its subsequent incorporation intogaming devices dramatically increased the amount of information thatcould be processed and displayed by gaming devices. This introductionsubstantially expanded both the scope and speed at which older gamingdevices could generally be improved and that new gaming devices could bedeveloped. Electronic gaming devices could now store and process greateramounts of data at higher speeds to substantially allow these gamingdevices to play greater varieties of games of chance; to generallyprocess and display greater amounts of visual information andstimulation; to substantially handle and process more varieties ofwagering; to generally handle increased numbers of the winning symbolcombinations; to substantially provide linkage to numbers of othergaming devices for progressive pot wagering; to generally provide forplaying of more bonus games; and the like.

Many of the newer electronic gaming devices, such as the video slotmachines, have been substantially constructed and programmed togenerally present at least a semblance of the operation and appearanceof the older mechanical gaming devices (e.g., such as the mechanicalslot machine) down to providing a visual image substantiallyrepresenting multiple mechanical reels and their movement. To accomplishthis, the electronic gaming device could be comprised of one or morecentral processing devices (e.g., CPU, such as a computer and the like)that substantially randomly or pseudo-randomly select one or morecombinations of gaming symbols from one or more gaming symbols tablesand generally displays the selected result(s). The CPU could also beconnected to and control a display(s) that is electronic (e.g., a videoscreen or the like), mechanical (having one or more movable mechanicalindicators), or a combination of both mechanical and electronicfeatures. Whatever the means of display, electronic, mechanical or both,the display could still be used to show the action and results of theplay.

For a video display, this selection could be accomplished by presentingan array (e.g., a grid that could be both symmetrical and orthogonal)that is substantially composed of several gaming symbol positions. Eachof the gaming symbol positions could be used to display a selectedgaming symbol. The displayed gaming symbol could be selected from agaming symbol table that is assigned to a respective gaming symbolposition. A gaming symbol table could be comprised of several gamingsymbols, wherein each gaming symbol could be substantially associatedwith at least one index number (e.g., a whole number). A gaming symbolgenerally would not share its index number(s) with another gaming symbolof that gaming symbol table. The CPU (or its associated machinery) couldrandomly (or pseudo-randomly) generate a number to be matched againstthe index numbers of a gaming symbol table to correspondingly randomlyor pseudo-randomly select a gaming symbol from a gaming symbol table toappear in its assigned or respective gaming symbol position. Generallyspeaking, depending the gaming device's setup, each gaming symbol tablecould be assigned to only one respective gaming symbol position or itcould be assigned to multiple gaming symbol positions in the array

In some electronic gaming devices (e.g., video slots), the array ofgaming symbol positions may be further organized into a plurality ofcolumns (e.g., video reels). As stated above, the electronic gamingdevice could be so configured that these columns or video reels could bepresented on the display to mimic the look and action of a mechanicalreel's setup of a mechanical slot machine.

In the operation of such an electronic gaming device, a player couldplace a wager(s) and select one or more paylines to be potentiallywinning paylines. The player could then trigger the electronic gamingdevice to generally cause the CPU to substantially select randomly (orpseudo-randomly) gaming symbols from the gaming symbol table(s). Onceselected, the chosen gaming symbols could then generally be displayed attheir respective gaming symbol positions. The CPU could generally have acomparative device or similar capability thereof to compare selectedpayline results (e.g., a set of CPU-selected gaming symbols for aselected payline) against a paytable (e.g., a database of the variouspayouts for various winning symbol combinations). If the payline's setof CPU-selected gaming symbols contains a winning combination of gamingsymbols as denoted by the paytable, then the CPU, at the appropriatetime, could cause the electronic gaming device to issue the appropriatepayout to the player (e.g., dispense cash, give out rewards, creditwinnings to the player's account, and the like). If no match existedbetween a selected payline's displayed gaming symbols to any of thewinning symbol combinations of the paytable's database, then theelectronic gaming device generally would not issue a payout.

After the selection of the gaming symbols, the CPU could then generallycause the display(s) to visually present the array wherein the columns(e.g., video reels) appear to begin to move like mechanical reels. TheCPU could generally cause the display to present an appearance whereinthe columns appear to spin, slow down, and come to a stop (e.g.,mimicking the action of mechanical reels.) As the display provides animage of an array as moving columns coming to a stop, the CPU couldcause each of the gaming symbol positions comprising the columns to hostor otherwise show their respective CPU-selected gaming symbols. At thistime, if the CPU previously determined that a winning gaming symbolcombination (e.g., a payout) occurred for this play, the electronicgaming device, after presenting the appropriate winning stimuli, couldissue the payout(s) (e.g., won reward) to the player. In either awinning or a non-winning result of play, the electronic gaming devicecould then generally proceed to reset itself for another play.

To randomly select gaming symbols from their respective gaming symboltable(s), the CPU could generally use a random or pseudo-random numbergenerator (e.g. a number generator). A random number generator generallyuses a random physical process such as thermal noise, radioactive decay,the photoelectric effect or other quantum phenomena to randomly selectwhole numbers (e.g., positive integers). A pseudo-random numbergenerator substantially uses an algorithm or mathematical formula toselect the whole numbers, which for all practical purposes willgenerally simulate or mimic the effect of whole numbers being randomlyselected.

During the operation of the electronic gaming device, the numbergenerator (e.g., pseudo-random or random number generator) could beconstantly randomly selecting a stream of whole numbers automatically ata very high rate of speed. From this continuous stream, the CPU couldselect at least one whole number for each gaming symbol position. TheCPU could then process each picked whole number through a predeterminedformula (e.g., divide the picked whole number by a fixed whole numberand get a smaller whole number remainder). The resulting random wholenumber remainder could then be used to select a gaming symbol from agaming symbol table to be applied to respective gaming symbol position.

In at least one electronic gaming device setup, all the gaming symboltables for the array could hold or contain an identical set of gamingsymbols. In one such setup, each gaming symbol could be matched up withone or more index whole numbers (e.g., 1-99) in a gaming symbol table.In another setup, a gaming symbol could be repeated more than once inthe gaming symbol table and at each such repeated position, the gamingsymbol could have a different index whole number associated with it. Ineither setup, each gaming symbol of a gaming symbol table could have oneor more index numbers and generally none of those index numbers would bethe same as those associated with any of the other gaming symbols ofthat gaming symbol table.

The amount or number of the index whole numbers associated with ormatched to a gaming symbol in a gaming symbol table could determine thatparticular gaming symbol's frequency (e.g., the likelihood that CPU willselect the particular gaming symbol from its respective gaming symboltable during a play). The more index whole numbers that are associatedwith a particular gaming symbol from a gaming symbol table, the morelikely the CPU will select that gaming symbol from its gaming symboltable during a play. Conversely, the fewer index whole numbers that areassociated with a particular gaming symbol from a particular gamingsymbol table, the less likely that CPU will select the gaming symbolfrom its respective gaming symbol table during a play. By changing thefrequency(ies) of gaming symbol(s) of the gaming symbol tables, theoperator of the electronic gaming device could generally influence thefrequency occurrence of winning gaming symbol combinations occurring atrespective paylines (e.g. winning payout frequency for a payline). Suchactions could also allow the operator to possibly adjust payout factorsof the hit frequency, hold percentage, and volatility, which can be usedto influence the gaming device's payout performance over the lifetime ofthe device.

As stated above, when the CPU has issued all the remainder whole numbersfor a particular play (e.g., substantially randomly or pseudo-randomlyselected gaming symbols for placement in their respective gaming symbolpositions in the array), the CPU could cause the display to present animage of the columns (e.g., video reels) starting to move likemechanical reels then transition the image of the array away from thoseof moving columns to those of moving columns slowing down and coming toa stop. At this point, the CPU could cause the display to present animage of the array with the CPU selected gaming symbols at theirrespective gaming symbol positions. For electronic gaming devices usingmechanical displays, the CPU could generally cause the movableindicators such mechanical reels (moved by precise movement-based stepmotors) to slow down and then stop the reel to display the CPU selectedgaming symbol at a payline.

Despite this increased gaming capacity (e.g., increased playing,wagering, winning, etc) afforded by electronic innovations in gamingdevice technology, there still may be some restrictions as to theversatility of the electronic gaming device. One such restriction couldbe a difficulty in calculating the statistical analysis of variouspayout frequencies (e.g. frequency of occurrence for respective winninggaming symbol combinations or payouts). Such statistical analysis couldbe used to possibly predict how a gaming device could perform over theduration of its operational life.

Another possible restriction could be the amount of influence anoperator (e.g., game designer, gaming operator) could exert over thevarious payout frequencies for each payout as well as very limitedcontrol over payout factors of the hit frequency, hold percentage, andvolatility. This influence or control, within limits allowed by theapplicable jurisdiction, when exercised could be generally used toensure at least three goals: 1) to generally meet jurisdictionalrequirements that the gaming device over its lifetime payout, to theplayers, a majority of the gaming device's intake (e.g., pay back out tothe players 90% of the monies paid in for playing the gaming device); 2)generally provide profitability for the operator (e.g., retaining about10% of monies paid in to play the gaming device); and 3) generallyprovide a sustainable long term period of gaming enjoyment for theplayer so that the player will want to return to play the gaming devicerepeatedly.

If the game fails to perform as expected and retains an insufficientamount of its intake, a jurisdictional authority's revenue body, whichcould generally get a percentage of the game's intake based onstatistical analysis of various payout frequencies submitted earlier toget the device approved by the jurisdiction, may become suspicious ofthe gaming entity using the gaming device and commence proceedingsagainst the gaming entity to recover monies the jurisdictional authoritybelieves it is owed to it by the gaming entity. The gaming entity losesa second time in this instance by losing money on the gaming device thatdoes not retain enough monies for its operating costs and profits in thefirst place. On the other hand, depending on the circumstances, theplayers may be happy (e.g., loose slots).

If the game fails to perform as expected and retains too much money, itcould violate the gaming jurisdiction's operational standards and thegaming entity could again face proceedings by the jurisdictionalauthority. The players could also become unhappy with limited or veryinfrequent payouts and stop playing the game altogether (e.g., thegaming device, despite having attractive packaging and theme could haveshort operational life).

An operator (gaming entity, game designer, etc.) may therefore generallydesire that the gaming device have a balance of features wherein thegaming device meets jurisdictional standards, is enjoyable for a playerto play for long periods, and makes money for the operator. One possibledesired gaming device operational pattern could be that during a periodof play, a gaming device will retain the player's interest by distributesmaller payouts to foster a sense of gaming excitement and promotinglong playing interest (e.g., the possibility of winning a big payout isright around the corner.) These consistent, small payouts, ifaccumulated in one sum, are generally not larger than the amountsoriginally paid into the gaming device by the player in that period ofplay. These small payouts individually are generally large enough duringthis period of play to provide the player with a satisfying amount ofplaying or entertainment time on the gaming device.

It has been generally noticed in the gaming industry, that a gamingdevice could be popular during its first introduction, relying on itsnew, attention-grabbing packaging and the like, to draw in an initialpool of players. If gaming device then substantially gives a player asignificant amount of playing time on the gaming device throughgenerally constant receipt of small payouts combined with a sense of thehope or belief he or she might win a larger payout, this action coulddevelop a long-term player loyalty to the gaming device that could lastwell over the initial attraction of its introduction. This long-termplayer loyalty could substantially ensure the gaming device's long-termplayability and profitability. If the gaming device is generallyincapable of providing this kind of play, then the players overall maynot enjoy playing it long term and will soon abandon the gaming devicefor others after the novelty wears off.

To allow an operator to influence various payout frequencies forelectronic gaming devices using arrays (e.g., video slot machines andthe like), one gaming device setup could assign just one gaming symboltable (e.g., one set of gaming symbol frequencies) for all therespective gaming symbol positions of the array. The set of gamingsymbol frequencies could be seen as being repeated relative to each ofthe gaming symbol positions of a payline (e.g., the likelihood of aspecific gaming symbol appearing at any gaming symbol position [e.g.,likelihood of being selected from the assigned gaming symbol table]could be the same). For example, for any gaming symbol position of thearray, one cherry symbol could have twenty (20)% frequency; two cherriessymbol could be at a two (2)% frequency, the three cherries symbol couldbe one (1)% frequency; and the like.) In such setup, any payline,despite its orientation upon the array, could have the same statisticalanalysis for its payout frequencies (e.g., the payline's payoutfrequency or likelihood for a winning combination of a set of threesymbols of three cherries occurring could be 1%×1%×1%=0.0001% [i.e.,0.000001] per play).

Although the math for doing the statistical analysis for payoutfrequencies of each payout line is the same (e.g., greatly simplified)at this point, the ability to influence the various payout frequenciesfor each payline is limited. Any adjustment to the set of gaming symbolfrequencies relative to one gaming symbol position of a payline isautomatically repeated for sets of gaming symbol frequencies relative tothe remaining gaming symbol positions in a payline. The operator cannotindependently adjust the set of gaming symbol frequencies relative toeach gaming symbol position within a payline. The operator is thereforelimited to the amount of possible control it could possible impart onthe payout frequency of a payline.

Another gaming device setup could have each gaming symbol position of anarray be assigned to a respective gaming symbol table wherein the set ofgaming symbol frequencies of each gaming symbol table is substantiallydifferent from other gaming symbol tables (e.g., set of gaming symbolfrequencies for a gaming symbol table are not repeated for any othergaming symbol table and that the gaming symbol tables could be differentfrequency gaming symbol tables relative to one another). In theory, thissetup could possibly provide an operator with greater influence over thewinning gaming symbol frequencies (e.g., payout frequencies) for apayline. The operator could then independently adjust the set of gamingsymbol frequencies (for assigned gaming symbol table) associated witheach gaming symbol position of a payline.

For example, within a specific payline, a gaming symbol table (assignedto the first gaming symbol position of that payline) could have thesymbol for three cherries be adjusted to one percent (1%) frequency; asecond gaming symbol table (assigned to the second gaming symbolposition of that payline) could have same symbol for three cherries beadjusted to ten percent (10%) frequency, and a third gaming symbol table(assigned to the third gaming symbol of that payline) could have thesame symbol for three cherries adjusted to twenty percent (20%)frequency. That payline could then have an overall payout frequency fora winning combination of a three symbol set of three cherries beadjusted to 1%×10%×20%=0.0002% (i.e., 0.00002) per play. Wherein theearlier set up could only have identical frequencies be used, e.g.,1%×1%×1%=0.0001%).

In this second setup, the operator could now have the means toindependently influence the set of gaming symbol frequencies associatedwith each gaming symbol position of a payline. However, because eachpayline could be assigned have gaming symbol table with non-repeatedsets of gaming symbol frequencies, the statistical analysis of possiblepayout frequencies for each payline would be different. The working upthe overall statistical analysis for lifetime performance of such agaming device having a multitude paylines could be very daunting, inthat it would be extremely difficult, time consuming, labor intensive,and expensive to complete such an analysis. Generally, such a setup islimited to a gaming device that will only have a few paylines.

What is generally needed therefore is a gaming device and methodologythat uses a Latin Square format to setup and assign gaming symbol tablesto respective gaming symbol positions of an array. This gaming deviceand methodology could allow the operator to simultaneously and uniformlymodify payout frequencies for multiple paylines having variousorientations upon the array and further allow use of the same payoutfrequency statistical analysis for said paylines. This gaming device andmethodology could further possibly allow an operator independentlyadjust each set of gaming symbol frequencies relative to each gamingsymbol position of a payline to provide greater influence over thepayout frequencies for multitude of paylines.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do notnecessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

provide multiple paylines with multiple array orientations, which mayhave the same statistical analysis regarding the winning combinations;

the ability to have payouts which utilize both the matching of identicalsymbols and the grouping of complementary but unique symbols, all thewhile maintaining a consistent, repeatable paytable and utilize the samestatistical analysis;

provide multiple paylines which utilize the same set of assigned gamingsymbol tables;

the ability to use a Latin Square format to assign gaming symbol tablesto gaming symbol positions of a payline;

the ability to exercise generally greater control over the hitfrequency, volatility, and hold percentage for a gaming device;

the ability to use a Latin Square format to assign gaming symbol tablesto gaming symbol positions of an array; and

the ability to reduce the amount of time, cost and labor required toproduce statistical analysis of the frequency of the occurrence ofwinning gaming symbol combinations for the paylines of an electronicgaming device.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remainingportions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One embodiment could be an electronic gaming device comprising an arrayhaving a plurality of gaming symbol positions, the gaming symbolpositions being organized in rows and columns; a plurality of gamingsymbol tables, the plurality of gaming symbol tables is a number ofdifferent frequency gaming symbol tables; the number of differentfrequency gaming symbol tables is equal to the number of gaming symbolpositions in either a row or column; wherein each column has each of itsgaming symbol positions assigned to a respective gaming symbol table ofthe plurality, wherein each row has each of its gaming symbol positionsassigned to a respective gaming symbol table of the plurality.

One version of this embodiment could be an electronic gaming devicecomprising at least one array being presented on a display connected toa CPU capable of processing a game of chance, the array having gamingsymbol positions organized in rows and columns; a plurality of gamingsymbol tables, each gaming symbol table being assigned to several gamingsymbol positions of the array; wherein the gaming symbol tables of theplurality could be considered to be different frequency gaming symboltables from one another; the number of gaming symbol tables in theplurality is equal to the number of gaming symbol positions found ineither a row or column; wherein the assignment of the gaming symboltables to gaming symbol positions is done on the basis of a Latin Squareformat.

One version of this embodiment could be an electronic gaming devicecomprising an array being presented by a display connected to a CPUcapable of processing a game of chance, the array comprising a number ofgaming symbol positions, a number of gaming symbol positions alsoforming one or more paylines; a plurality of gaming symbol tables, eachgaming symbol table being assigned to a respective gaming symbolposition of the array, wherein two or more gaming symbol tables of theplurality of the gaming symbol tables could be considered identicalfrequency gaming symbol tables to one another; wherein the pluralitycould be further organized into different sets of identical frequencygaming symbol tables.

The above-description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of oneembodiment of the present invention so that the detailed descriptionthat follows may be better understood and contributions of the presentinvention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodimentsof the present invention may not include all of the features orcharacteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described below andwill form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, beforeexplaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail,it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the construction and to the arrangement ofthe components set forth in the following description or as illustratedin the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially one possible embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A is substantially showing a 3×3 array with one possiblearrangement of the assignment of gaming symbol tables to gamingpositions.

FIG. 2 is substantially showing a 4×4 array with one possiblearrangement of the assignment of gaming symbol tables to gamingpositions.

FIG. 3 is substantially showing a 5×5 array with one possiblearrangement of the assignment of gaming symbol tables to gamingpositions.

FIG. 4 is substantially showing a set of different frequency gamingsymbol tables for a 5×5 array.

FIG. 4A is substantially showing the A set of identical frequency gamingsymbol tables for a 5×5 array.

FIG. 5 is substantially showing a 3×3 array with one possiblearrangement of the assignment of gaming symbol tables from differentsets of identical frequency gaming symbol tables to respective gamingsymbol positions.

FIG. 6 is substantially showing a 4×4 array with one possiblearrangement of the assignment of gaming symbol tables from differentsets of identical frequency gaming symbol tables to respective gamingsymbol positions.

FIG. 7 is substantially showing a 5×5 array with one possiblearrangement of the assignment of gaming symbol tables from differentsets of identical frequency gaming symbol tables to respective gamingsymbol positions.

FIGS. 8 a-8 i is substantially showing various possible paylines for a3×3 array in a standard formation.

FIGS. 9 a-9 i is substantially showing various possible paylines for a3×3 array in a diamond formation.

FIGS. 10 a-10 r is substantially showing various possible paylines for a4×4 array in a standard formation.

FIGS. 11 a-10 r is substantially showing various possible paylines for a4×4 array in a diamond formation.

FIGS. 12 a-12 j is substantially showing various possible paylines for a5×5 array in a standard formation.

FIGS. 13 a-13 j is substantially showing various possible paylines for a5×5 array in a diamond formation.

FIG. 14 is substantially showing a flowchart for a possible process ofoperating the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part ofthis application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As substantially shown in FIGS. 1-7, one embodiment of the inventioncould be an electronic gaming device 20 that could be comprised of acentral processing unit (CPU) 30 connected at least to a video display22 and to a player interface 24. The central processing unit (CPU) 30could have the capacity for storing and playing the software and dataassociated with playing a game of chance. The CPU may have a memory 32for storing the program for the game being played on the device as wellas for data such as gaming symbol tables 58. The CPU 30 may furthercomprise (or at least have the capacity or capability of) a processingfacility 34 for running the game program; a number generator 36 (e.g.,random or pseudo-random number generator) for substantially randomlygenerating whole numbers used to select gaming symbol(s) 60 from agaming symbol table 58; a comparative device or capability 38 forcomparing gaming symbol 60 combinations of selected payline(s) 62against a payout table 40 for determination and payout of winningwagers; and a payout table 40 generally containing a database regardingthe payout amount being associated with winning combinations.

The CPU 30 during the processing of a game of chance could cause thedisplay 22 to show a visual representation indicating the playing of agame and the results of such play. This representation could generallybe comprised of a plurality of gaming symbol positions 56 generallyprearranged in an array 50 (e.g., symmetrical and orthogonal). In atleast one embodiment, the gaming symbol positions 56 of the array 50could be contiguous. In at least one embodiment, the array 50 could haveits gaming symbol positions 56 arranged in rows 54 and columns 52 andhave a N₁×N₂ configuration wherein N₁ could represent the number of rows54 and N₂ could represent the number of columns 52. N_(P) couldrepresent the number of gaming symbols positions 56 found in either arow 54 or a column 52. In at least one embodiment, N₁=N₂=N_(P). Itshould be noted that the array 50 could be in a standard format (e.g.,substantially square) or oriented to have a diamond or other type ofconfiguration and still be considered within the breath of theinvention. Each gaming symbol position 56 of the array 50 could haveassigned to it a gaming symbol table 58 from which the CPU couldsubstantially randomly select a gaming symbol 60 to be displayed orotherwise presented at the gaming symbol position 56 during play.

Gaming Symbol Tables

Shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of gaming symbol tables 58 could bedifferent frequency gaming symbol tables 230 as compared to one another.A different frequency gaming symbol table 230 could be a gaming symboltable 58 whose set of gaming symbol frequencies is generally notrepeated for the respective gaming symbols 60 for other gaming symboltables 58. Conversely, an identical frequency gaming symbol table 220could be substantially a gaming symbol table 58 whose set of symbolfrequencies for its gaming symbols 60 is generally repeated for therespective symbols 60 of another gaming symbol table 58. In thisembodiment, the number of different frequency gaming symbol tables 230comprising the plurality could equal the number of rows 54 in the array50 (N₁), the number of columns 52 in the array 50 (N₂), the number ofgaming symbol positions 56 in a row 54 (N_(P)), the number of gamingsymbol positions 56 in a column 52, and the number of gaming symbolpositions 56 in a payline 62.

Several gaming symbol positions 56 could be assigned to each of thedifferent frequency gaming symbol tables 230. For example, in theoperation of game having a 3×3 array 50 of FIG. 1A, the CPU, afterrandomly issuing and processing its string of whole numbers, could go tofill the first gaming symbol position 56 in the top row of the array 50;take a whole number from the string; apply the whole number to the Adifferent frequency gaming symbol table 58 that is assigned to the firstgaming symbol position 56 to select the gaming symbol 60 to be appliedto the first gaming symbol position. The CPU 30 could proceed to thesecond gaming symbol position and use the B different frequency gamingtable 58 that is assigned to it in the same manner. The CPU 30 couldthen proceed to the third gaming symbol position and use the C differentfrequency gaming table 58 as assigned to the third gaming symbolposition 56 in the same manner. The CPU 30 could then proceed to thefourth gaming symbol position 56 in the second row 54 of the array 50and again use the C different frequency gaming table 58 as assigned tothe fourth gaming symbol position 56 in the same manner. In this manner,the invention could continue to select the gaming symbols 60 that wouldbe used to populate the remaining gaming symbol positions 56.

In at least one embodiment as substantially shown in FIG. 4A, theplurality of gaming symbol tables 58 could be constituted whereby eachgaming symbol table 58 is assigned to one respective gaming symbolposition 56. In this embodiment, the number of gaming symbol tables 58in a plurality of gaming symbol tables 58 could equal the total numberof gaming symbol positions 56 in the array 50. In this manner, theplurality of gaming symbol tables 58 could be organized into differentsets of identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220. Within such a set,the respective gaming symbol frequencies of respective gaming symbols 60of one gaming symbol table 58 could generally be repeated for therespective gaming symbols of other gaming symbol tables 58. For example,the A set of identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220 could compriseof gaming symbol tables A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ (as used with a 5×5 array)and have the symbol frequencies for respective gaming symbols 60 beingrepeated for all the gaming symbol tables 58 in that set. Also a B setof identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220 (not shown) similarlycould comprise of gaming symbol tables B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄, B₅ (as used witha 5×5 array) and have the symbol frequencies for respective gamingsymbols 60 being repeated for all the gaming symbol tables 58 in thatset. However, as the gaming symbol tables 58 for the A set are comparedto the gaming symbol tables 58 of the B set (or for that matter theremaining sets of frequency identical gaming symbol tables 220), thegaming symbol tables of the A set are generally considered to befrequency different gaming symbol tables 230 to the gaming symbol tables58 of the B set (e.g., gaming symbol table B₁ is a frequency differentgaming symbol table 230 as compared to gaming symbol table A_(1.)) Inthis manner, the plurality of gaming symbol tables 58 could generally beorganized into different sets of frequency identical gaming symboltables 220 (e.g. an A set of A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ vs. an B set of B₁, B₂,B₃, B₄, B₅). The number of different sets of identical frequency gamingsymbol tables could generally be the same whole number as a N_(P), N₁,and N₂.

In operation for this embodiment, the CPU in selecting the gaming symbol60 for a respective gaming symbol position 56 could generally go to thatspecific gaming symbol table 56 assigned to the respective gaming symbolposition 56 to select the gaming symbol 60. The invention generallywould not go to the same gaming symbol table 58 more than once to pick agaming symbol 60 for a gaming symbol position 56.

Paylines

As substantially shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the invention could furtherhave a multitude of gaming symbol positions 56 of the array 50 organizedinto one or more paylines 62. In at least one embodiment, many ofpaylines 62 could have the same the number of gaming symbols positions56 (N_(PL)). In at least one embodiment, N_(PL), the number of gamingposition symbols 56 for each payline 62 could be the same as N_(P), thenumber of gaming symbols positions 56 found in either a row 54 or acolumn 56. In at least one embodiment, N_(PL) the number of gamingpositions 56 of a payline could also be the same as N₁ the number ofrows or N₂ the number of columns found in the array 50. In at least oneembodiment, no two gaming symbol positions 56 in one payline 62 could beassigned to gaming symbol tables 58 that could considered to befrequency identical gaming symbol tables 220 relative to one another.

The invention could provide for paylines 62 to have differentorientations upon the array as well. For example, as substantially shownin FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3, wherein a gaming symbol table could be assigned toseveral gaming symbol positions 56, FIG. 1A could substantially show a3×3 array payline 62 as a column 52 comprised of gaming symbol positions56 that have been assigned to A, B, C, gaming symbol tables. FIG. 2could substantially show a 4×4 array payline 62 as a row 54 comprised ofgaming symbol positions 56 that have been assigned to A, B, C, and Dgaming symbol tables 58. FIG. 3 could substantially show a 5×5 arraypayline 62 as a diagonal comprised of gaming symbol positions 56assigned to A, E, B, C, D frequency different gaming symbol tables 230.Other versions of this embodiment could employ other paylines 62 havingother orientations upon the array 50.

For the other embodiment having each gaming symbol table assigned tojust one respective gaming symbol position, FIG. 5 could substantiallyshow payline 62 could be vertically orientated to comprise a column 52whose gaming symbol positions 56 have been respectively assigned to theA₁, C₁, and B₁ gaming symbol tables 58. In FIG. 6, a payline 62 could behorizontally orientated to comprise a row 54 whose gaming symbolpositions 56 have been respectively assigned to the B₁, A₂, D₃, and C₄gaming symbol tables 58. In FIG. 7, a payline 62 could be orientated tocomprise a diagonal whose gaming symbol positions 56 have beenrespectively assigned to the A₁, E₂, B₃, C₄, and D₅ gaming symbol tables58. Other versions of this embodiment could employ other paylines 62having other orientations upon the array 50.

Latin Square

In at least one embodiment of the invention, a Latin Square format couldbe used to assign gaming symbol tables 58 to gaming symbol positions 56of the array 50. A Latin Square may be an orthogonal table or arraygenerally comprised of an equal number of generally contiguous rows andcolumns. This N₁×N₂ table wherein N₁ could be the number of rows and N₂the number of columns with each column and each row being filled with Ndifferent symbols in such a way that each symbol occurs exactly once ineach row and exactly once in each column (or to state in the inverse, nosymbol is repeated in each row and no symbol is repeated in eachcolumn).

For example, the Latin Square could be arranged in a 3 (rows)×3(columns) format which would use only 3 different symbols (e.g., thenumbers 1, 2, & 3 or the letters A, B, & C) so that the several examplesof a 3×3 Latin Square could include:

As shown in the figure seen here, depending on the size of the array 50,the number of different combinations of Latin Square formats could bequite numerous.

In one embodiment, wherein the plurality of gaming symbol tables 58 is aset of different frequency gaming symbol tables, the number of tables inthe plurality being equal to the number of rows 54, number of columns 52of the array 50, the Latin Square format (examples of which aresubstantially demonstrated in FIGS. 1A, 2, and 3) could be used toassign gaming symbol 5 positions 56 to the gaming symbol tables 58 ofthe plurality. Additionally, each gaming symbol position 56 of a row 54could be assigned to a respective different frequency gaming symboltable 230 of the plurality of gaming symbol tables 58 (e.g., no gamingsymbol table 58 would be considered to be an identical frequency gamingtable in relation to any of the other gaming symbol tables associatedwith a row 54). Similarly, each gaming symbol position 56 of a column 52could be assigned to a respective different frequency gaming symboltable 230 of the plurality of gaming symbol tables 58 (e.g., no gamingsymbol table 58 would be considered to be an identical frequency gamingtable in relation to any of the other gaming symbol tables associatedwith a column 52). Further, multiple paylines for the invention couldsimilarly have each gaming symbol position 56 of the payline 62 beassigned to a respective different frequency gaming symbol table 230 ofthe plurality of gaming symbol tables 58.

In this embodiment, the invention could therefore provide an operatorwith paylines 62 that each have the same overall payout frequencies(e.g., F_(a)%×F_(b)%×F_(c)% for a 3×3 array) wherein F_(a)% could be thegaming symbol frequency for a particular gaming symbol 60 randomlyselected from the A different frequency gaming symbol table 230; F_(b)%could be the gaming symbol frequency for a particular gaming symbol 60randomly selected from the B different frequency gaming symbol table230, and F_(c)% could be the gaming symbol frequency for a particulargaming symbol 60 for the C different frequency gaming symbol table 230.The invention could therefore allow the operator to calculate and usethe same statistical analysis for payout frequencies for multiplepaylines.

The operator, by adjusting the set of gaming symbol frequencies in onefrequency different gaming symbol table 230 of the plurality of gamingsymbol tables 58 can simultaneously and uniformly change the payoutfrequency for multiple paylines 62 on the array 50 at least some ofthese paylines 62 could have different orientations upon the array 50.The operator, by adjusting each set of gaming symbol frequenciesassociated with the gaming symbol positions 56 of a payline 62 canexercise greater control over payout frequency of a payline 62.

In another embodiment utilizing different sets of identical frequencygaming symbol tables 220, (the total number of gaming symbol tables 58equaling the total number of gaming symbol positions 56 of the array50), the Latin Square format could be applied as well to assign eachgaming symbol position 56 of the array 50 to a respective gaming symboltable 58. The application of the Latin Square format in such a mattercould be used to generally ensure that no two or more gaming symbolpositions 56 of a column 52 may been assigned identical frequency gamingsymbol tables 220 (e.g., gaming symbol tables A₁ and A₂). Similarly, theLatin Square format could also generally ensure that no two or moregaming symbol positions 56 of a row 54 have been assigned identicalfrequency gaming symbol tables 220. The use of Latin Squares format inthis embodiment could be further applied to paylines 62, so a payline 62should generally not have two or more of its gaming symbol positions 56assigned identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220 (e.g., gamingsymbol tables B₁ and B₂ being assigned to the gaming symbol positions 56of a specific payline 60.)

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, for example, where the letter A appearsin an array of FIG. 3, it could indicate that one gaming symbol table(e.g., A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄ A₅) selected from the A set of identical frequencygaming symbol tables 58 has been assigned to that respective gamingsymbol position 56 in the array 50. Where the letter B appears in anarray of FIG. 5, 6, 7, it could indicate that one gaming symbol table(e.g., B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄ B₅) selected from the B set of identical frequencygaming symbol tables 58 (not shown) has been assigned to that respectivegaming symbol position 56 in the array 50. This method of assignment isrepeated for the remaining sets C, D, and E (e.g., for the 5×5 array)(not shown).

In this embodiment, the invention could therefore provide an operatorwith paylines 62 that each have the same overall payout frequencies(e.g., F_(a)%×F_(b)%×F_(c)% for a 3×3 array) wherein F_(a)% could be thegaming symbol frequency for a particular gaming symbol 60 randomlyselected from a gaming symbol table 58 assigned from set A of identicalfrequency gaming symbol tables 220; F_(b)% could be the gaming symbolfrequency for a particular gaming symbol 60 randomly selected from agaming symbol table assigned from set B, and F_(c)% could be the gamingsymbol frequency for a particular gaming symbol 60 randomly selectedfrom gaming symbol table assigned from set C. The invention couldtherefore allow the operator to calculate and use the same statisticalanalysis for payout frequencies for multiple paylines 62.

Similarly, by adjusting in the same manner the gaming symbol frequenciesfor all of the identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220 of a set(e.g., selecting a gaming symbol 60 from all the A gaming symbol tables58 and changing its gaming symbol frequency simultaneously for thefrequency identical gaming symbol tables 220 in that A set), an operatorcan modify a multitude of paylines 62 identically and simultaneously. Inhaving the ability to alter the gaming symbol frequencies of the variousgaming symbol tables 58, the operator now has several different means ofcontrol (e.g., the plurality being organized into several different setsof identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220 with each said setcapable of being independently modified via adjustment of one or moregaming symbol frequencies within a set) to influence simultaneously andidentically the payout frequencies of a multitude of paylines 62. Thiscontrol is greater than that provided in the instance where, as isgenerally done currently, the entire plurality of gaming symbol tables58 is comprised of identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220 (theplurality lacking different frequency gaming symbol tables 230).

This greater control over the payout frequencies could be exercised evenwhen various paylines 62 had different orientations upon the array 50.Depending on size of the array 50, a payline 62 could be placed in amultitude of orientations upon the array 50, including but not limitedto vertical, horizontal, diagonal, outside corners, inside corners, andthe like and still use the identical set of different frequency gamingsymbol tables 230. Depending on the Latin Square format used, thepayline 62 could also be comprised of contiguously associate gamingsymbols positions 56 (e.g., vertical, horizontal, diagonal, insidecorners and the like) or of non-contiguous gaming symbols positions 56(e.g. outside corners).

As substantially shown in FIGS. 8 a through 13 j are various array 50embodiments demonstrating both possible array 50 orientations andvarious payline 62 orientations that could be utilized through the useof the invention. The various paylines 62 are denoted with letteredsquares (A, B, C, etc) indicating the potential assignment of the gamingsymbol tables 58.

In figures 10 a-10 r, 11 a-11 r, a 4×4 array 50 could be comprised ofsixteen total gaming symbol positions. It could therefore be possible tohave approximately eighteen (18) paylines 62 of four gaming symbolpositions 56 each.

As shown in FIGS. 12 a-12 j, 13 a-13 j, another possible embodimentcould be a 5×5 array 50 composed of twenty-five (25) gaming symbolpositions 56, having five gaming symbol positions 56 within each row 54and each column 52.

It should be noted that the other sized arrays could be used and beformatted using the Latin Square format with regards to the assignmentof their gaming symbol positions 56 to gaming symbol tables 58 and stillbe considered within the purvey of the invention. Further, the inventioncould use other non-conforming Latin Square format paylines 62 whoserespective gaming symbols positions 56 have been assigned to the gamingsymbol tables 58 which may be considered to be identical frequencygaming symbol tables 220 to each other. These non-conforming paylines 62could b employed within the invention and substantially be given adifferent statistical analysis for their respective payout frequencies.

Gaming Symbol Selection

As generally described-above, the selection of a gaming symbol(s) 60from a respective gaming symbol table 58 could involve a numbergenerator 36 (e.g., random or pseudo random number generator.) Duringoperation of the invention, the number generator 36 could randomly andcontinuously issue whole numbers. As needed, the CPU 30 could selectfrom this generally continuous stream of random whole numbers, thoserandom whole numbers, which could be processed by the CPU 30 to producea remainder whole number for each gaming symbol position 56. The wholenumber remainder could then be matched against the indexing wholenumber(s) 200 of all gaming symbols 60 for the gaming symbol table 58assigned to the respective gaming symbol position(s) 56. When theremainder whole number matches an index whole number 200, the gamingsymbol 60 assigned to the index whole number 200 is then selected to bedisplayed at the respective gaming symbol position 56 on the array 50assigned to that respective gaming symbol table 58.

Gaming Symbols

At least one embodiment of the invention could have the gaming symboltables 58 having at least a set of gaming symbols 60 that are common toall gaming symbol tables 58 (e.g., common gaming symbols 80)constituting the plurality. At least one embodiment of the inventioncould also have gaming symbols 60 that are unique to a respective gamingsymbol table (e.g., unique gaming symbols 82.)

A winning unique symbol 82 combination for a payline 62 could be theappearance in all gaming symbol positions 56 of the payline 62 of aunique gaming symbol 82 from each of the gaming symbol tables 58assigned to the gaming symbol positions 56 comprising the payline 62.One possible game of chance that could use unique symbols 82 could bevarious card games such as poker, which uses 52 non-repeating uniquecards, wherein a gaming symbol (e.g., card face) combination appearingin a payline 62 that could not have any repeating gaming symbols (e.g.no payline 62 may have a multitude of the kings of clubs). Other uniquesymbol using games of chance that could be employed with the inventioncould be Mahjong and the like.

Methodology

As shown in FIG. 14, the methodology or process 100 by which theinvention will display its gaming symbols 60 could start with step 1,initiating start up. In step one, the gaming device 20 is energized, andcentral processing unit 30 (e.g., CPU) is booted up and gaming programis brought out of memory. At the substantial completion of step one, theprocess 100 could proceed onto step two, wagering.

At step 2, wagering, the player (not shown) selects the number andamount of wager(s) and which paylines 62 that are to be played throughthe player interface 24. This data could then be transmitted to andprocessed by the CPU 30. The selected paylines 62 could have differentarray orientations (e.g., column 52, row 54, diagonal, corners, etc.).

As stated above, the paylines 62 could be comprised of groups of gamingsymbol positions 56. In one embodiment, the set of gaming symbolpositions 56 for many of these paylines 62 could be assigned to the sameset of different frequency gaming symbol tables 230 constituting theplurality of gaming symbol tables 58. A payline in such an embodimentcould generally not be associated with two or more gaming symbol tables58 that could be considered to an identical frequency gaming symboltable 220 to one another.

In at least one other embodiment of the invention, the plurality ofgaming symbol tables 58 for an array 50 could be organized into severaldifferent sets of identical frequency gaming symbol tables 220 with eachgaming symbol position could have its own respective gaming symboltable. There could be multiple paylines 60, wherein such a payline couldgenerally not be associated with two or more gaming symbol tables 58that could be considered to an identical frequency gaming symbol table220 to one another.

After the substantial completion of step 2, the process 100 could moveonto step 3, initiating play.

At step 3, initiating play, the player (not shown) through the playerinterface 24 could cause the CPU 30 to initiate or otherwise trigger theplay of the game. The CPU 30 could then cause the display 22 to show thearray 50 as if its rows 54, columns 52 or both were moving (e.g., likemechanical indicators such as slot machine reels). At the substantialconclusion of step 3, the process 100 could generally proceed to step 4,selection of gaming symbols 60.

At step 4, selection of gaming symbols 60, the CPU 30 could beginselecting whole numbers as they are being randomly issued by the numbergenerator 36 (e.g., pseudorandom or random). A selected whole number isthen processed into a remainder whole number. The CPU 30 could thendecide which gaming symbol position 56 should have a selected gamingsymbol 60. The remainder whole number is then compared against the indexwhole numbers 200 of the gaming symbols 60 of the gaming symbol table 58assigned to that gaming symbol position 56. The invention then selectsthe gaming symbol 60 (e.g., common gaming symbols 80, unique gamingsymbols 82, or both) based upon the match up of the selected remainderwhole number with the index whole numbers 200. The invention repeatsthis portion of the process 100 for each gaming symbol position 56 ofthe array 50.

Once all the gaming symbols 60 for the respective gaming symbolpositions 56 have been selected, the CPU 30 could then cause the display22 to show the “in motion” array 50 slowing and coming to a stop. Atthat time, the CPU 30 could cause the display 22 to show the selectedgaming symbols 60 at their respective gaming symbol positions 56. At thesubstantial completion of step 4, the process 100 could proceed to step5, the determination of payout.

At step 5, determination of payout, the CPU 30 could activate thecomparator 38 to compare the combinations of gaming symbols 60 of thevarious selected paylines 62 against the database of the payout table 40to see if any played gaming symbol combinations are winningcombinations. If it is determined that a payline 62 has a winningcombination of gaming symbols 60, the CPU 30 could, through anappropriate means known by those skilled in the art, possibly transferthe appropriate winning credit or payout to the player. After the payoutis made, or if it is determined that no payout is made (no winningcombination of gaming symbols 60 exists at a payline 62), the processthen could substantially proceed to step 2 reset for another play.

Conclusion

As demonstrated above, the invention could provide multiple paylineswith various different array orientations and still use the samestatistical analysis regarding the winning payline combinations for manyof the paylines. This capability could significantly reduce the amountof time, cost, and labor that may be incurred in getting a gaming deviceapproved within a gaming jurisdiction. Further, the use of the same setof different frequency gaming symbol tables for a variety of paylineshaving a variety of orientations, may give the operator an ability togenerally increase the amount of control over the hit frequency,volatility, and hold percentage for a gaming device.

Although the description above contains many specifications (e.g., a3×3, 4×4 and 5×5 arrays) these specifications are merely illuminative,and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention butas merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention shouldbe determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents ratherthan by the examples given.

1. An electronic gaming device comprising, a. an array having aplurality of gaming symbol positions, the gaming symbol positions beingorganized in rows and columns, the array further being presented by adisplay connected to a CPU, the CPU being capable of processing a gameof chance; b. a plurality of gaming symbol tables, the plurality ofgaming symbol tables is a number of different frequency gaming symboltables; the number of different frequency gaming symbol tables is equalto the number of gaming symbol positions in either a row or column; c.wherein each column has each of its gaming symbol positions assigned toa respective gaming symbol table of the plurality, d. wherein each rowhas each of its gaming symbol positions assigned to a respective gamingsymbol table of the plurality.
 2. An electronic gaming device of claim 1wherein the assignment of each gaming symbol table to a respectivegaming symbol position is based on a Latin Square format.
 3. Anelectronic gaming device of claim 1 wherein the number of gaming symboltables could be a number selected from a group of numbers consisting of:number of gaming symbol positions in a payline; the number of rows in anarray; and the number of columns in an array.
 4. An electronic gamingdevice of claim 1 further having two or more of gaming symbol positionsbeing further organized into one or more paylines located upon thearray, wherein at least one payline has each of its gaming symbolpositions assigned to a respective gaming symbol table of the plurality.5. An electronic gaming device of claim 1 wherein the adjustment of arespective gaming symbol frequency for a respective gaming symbol withinone of the gaming symbol tables of the plurality simultaneously andidentically adjusts the payout frequencies for multiple paylines of thearray.
 6. An electronic gaming device of claim 1 wherein a statisticalanalysis of payout frequencies for two or more paylines having differentorientations on the array is the same.
 7. An electronic gaming device ofclaim 1 wherein each gaming symbol table further comprises one or moreunique gaming symbols with each unique gaming symbol having a respectivegaming symbol frequency.
 8. An electronic gaming device of claim 7further comprising a winning payline whose gaming symbol positions eachrespectively displays a non-repeating unique gaming symbol.
 9. Anelectronic gaming device comprising, a. at least one array beingpresented on a display connected to a CPU capable of processing a gameof chance, the array having gaming symbol positions organized in rowsand columns; b. a plurality of gaming symbol tables, each gaming symboltable being assigned to several gaming symbol positions of the array;wherein the gaming symbol tables of the plurality could be considereddifferent frequency gaming symbol tables to one another; the number ofgaming symbol tables in the plurality is equal to the number of gamingsymbol positions found in either a row or column; wherein the assignmentof the gaming symbol tables to gaming symbol positions of the array isdone based on a Latin Square format.
 10. An electronic gaming device ofclaim 9 wherein each respective gaming symbol position of the column isassigned to a respective gaming symbol table of the plurality.
 11. Anelectronic gaming device of claim 9 wherein each respective gamingsymbol position of the row is assigned to a respective gaming symboltable of the plurality.
 12. An electronic gaming device of claim 9further comprising the gaming symbol positions being organized inmultiple paylines, wherein at least one payline has each of its gamingsymbol positions assigned to a respective gaming symbol table of theplurality.
 13. An electronic gaming device of claim 9 wherein changingthe symbol frequency of a different frequency gaming symbol table of theplurality changes one or more payout frequencies of multiple paylinessimultaneously.
 14. An electronic gaming device of claim 9 wherein oneor more of the multiple paylines have different orientations upon thearray.
 15. An electronic gaming device of claim 9 wherein a statisticalanalysis of payout frequencies for two or more paylines having differentorientations on the array is the same.
 16. An electronic gaming devicecomprising, a. an array being presented by a display connected to a CPUcapable of processing a game of chance, the array comprising a number ofgaming symbol positions further organized into rows and columns, anumber of gaming symbol positions also forming one or more paylines; b.a plurality of gaming symbol tables, each gaming symbol table beingassigned to a respective gaming symbol position of the array, whereintwo or more gaming symbol tables of the plurality of the gaming symboltables could be considered identical frequency gaming symbol tables toone another; wherein gaming symbol tables could be further organizedinto different sets of identical frequency gaming symbol tables.
 17. Anelectronic gaming device of claim 16 wherein the assignment of eachgaming symbol table to a respective gaming symbol position is based on aLatin Square format.
 18. An electronic gaming device of claim 16 whereinthe respective gaming symbol positions of either a column or row in thearray would be assigned to gaming symbol tables, those gaming symboltable would not be considered to be identical frequency gaming symboltables to one another.
 19. An electronic gaming device of claim 16wherein the adjustment of a respective gaming symbol frequency for arespective gaming symbol within all of the gaming symbol tables from aset of identical frequency gaming symbol tables simultaneously andidentically adjusts the payout frequencies for multiple paylines of thearray.
 20. An electronic gaming device of claim 16 wherein a statisticalanalysis of payout frequencies for two or more paylines having differentorientations on the array is the same.